AMSOIL Cold Flow Improver
(ACF) has been reformulated to provide maximum cold flow capabilities
in diesel fuels. The new formulation provides superior performance
over the former DFF formulation, which is available while supplies
last.
Cold Weather and Diesel Fuel
As the temperature drops, the wax naturally found
in diesel fuel begins to form crystals. The point at which wax
crystals form is known as the cloud point. These wax crystals
eventually clog the fuel filter and starve the engine of fuel
or prevent it from starting. While low-quality fuels may form
wax crystals in temperatures as warm as 40°F (4°C), most
fuels have a cloud point near 32°F (0°C).
#1 Diesel Fuel
One traditional solution to cold-weather problems
in diesel engines is the use of #1 diesel fuel, which is diesel
fuel diluted with kerosene. While #1 diesel fuel has an advantage
in low temperature operability, there are also several disadvantages.
The energy content of #1 diesel fuel is about 95 percent of #2
diesel fuel, resulting in reduced fuel economy and less horsepower.
In addition, the kerosene used in #1 diesel fuel provides less
lubrication for the fuel pump and fuel distributor, increasing
the likelihood for wear on these critical components.
Cold Weather Performance Parameters
There are several areas of diesel fuel improvement
touted by various cold flow additive manufacturers, including
pour point, cloud point and cold filter plugging point (CFPP).
Many claims can be misleading, so it is important to understand
this terminology in order to determine which products truly provide
superior performance.
It is important to distinguish between CFPP and
pour point. Many competitive products make great claims regarding
pour point, leading consumers to believe their products are superior
when they actually have an inferior CFPP. Once fuel surpasses
its cloud point, the wax crystals begin to clog the fuel filter.
The CFPP temperature is a more important characteristic than pour
point because the engine will not run if fuel cannot pass through
the fuel filter.
AMSOIL Cold Flow Improver
AMSOIL Cold Flow Improver provides superior fuel
flow to help prevent filter plugging in cold temperatures. It
is formulated for a broad range of diesel fuels, including #1
diesel fuel, #2 diesel fuel, biodiesel and hard-to-treat ULSD
fuels. AMSOIL Cold Flow Improver minimizes the need for blending
standard #2 diesel fuel with lower quality #1 diesel fuel, helping
maintain fuel economy and keep engines functioning normally. It
is also excellent for use with home heating oil and kerosene heat
systems.
AMSOIL Cold Flow Improver uses a jet-fuel-type
deicer that disperses water to control ice formation throughout
the fuel system. It inhibits wax crystal formation and can improve
diesel pour point by as much as 58°F (32°C), allowing
fuel to flow to the engine more easily and improving diesel engine
reliability in cold temperatures. In addition, AMSOIL Cold Flow
Improver lowers the CFPP by as much as 34°F (18°C) in
ULSD.
Concentrated ACF vs. ACF Blended with Fuel
The new formulation of AMSOIL Cold Flow Improver
will show no signs of solidifying in its concentrated state in
the bottle until the temperature reaches -22°F (-30°C),
a great improvement over the previous formulation, which solidified
in the bottle at 0°F (-18°C). Cold Flow Improver will
only freeze in its concentrated state, and AMSOIL recommends storing
it at temperatures above 0°F (-18°C). If ACF is allowed
to freeze in the bottle it can be thawed and used. When mixed
with diesel fuel, ACF effectively improves diesel fuel cold temperature
properties. It is recommended, however, that fuel be treated at
temperatures above 32° F (0°C). ACF will not dissolve
wax crystals which have already formed in the fuel.
Application Information
AMSOIL Cold Flow Improver is specifically formulated
for improving fuel flow, helping maintain fuel integrity and preventing
the clogging of filters and injectors. It is excellent for use
with diesel fuels, heating oils and kerosene. Two oz. of AMSOIL
Cold Flow Improver treats five gallons of fuel, or one 16 oz.
bottle for 40 gallons. The clear bottles feature an easy-to-read
graduation label for accurate dispensing, helping ensure proper
treat ratios.
